Page 55 of The Silencer

I swallow and lean back, moving around the room, taking in all the body parts glaring back at me.

I could end up in one of those if I do the wrong thing.

For the first time since meeting Anthony, I realize how dangerous he really is.

Oh, who am I kidding? It only makes me hotter for him.

I need major therapy at this point.

“Wanna know a secret? We’re going to war because of you,” Bane says, sneaking up behind me and running a finger across the pounding vein in my neck. “People are gonna die.” I glance up at him, and he winks at me. “You could die.”

The air is thick between us, and I feel my lungs try to pull in air, but it’s a struggle. War? What the fuck does he mean?

“I don’t understand.”

But Bane is already moving away from me. “That’s all I can say. Come on. Let’s get you back or Anthony is gonna have my head or my eyelids. Although, tongues are his favorite.”

I run a hand across the back of my neck as I follow him out of his office, past the dungeon with the empty, bleach-filled rooms and down another dimly lit tunnel.

“I’m gonna sneak you right into the garden. Remember, this is our little secret.”

I nod, grabbing on to his arm as the lights flicker out. It’s so dark, I don’t even know where I’m going, but Bane walks assuredly on, not even hesitating.

A moment later, I’m tripping up some stairs and then I hear hinges squeak.

Moonlight, stars, and fresh air greet me.

“Here we are…after you, my little snack.”

And then an inhale of breath and Bane sighs, “Oh fuck.”

My eyes adjust and right there, waiting by the exit, is Anthony.

He’s furious. I can see it in the way his jaw pops, the way his eyes narrow.

Bane is shifting around beside me, a nervous energy radiating off him.

“How the hell did he end up with you?” Anthony asks, and I’m not entirely sure who he’s asking the question to. So neither of us answers.

“Bane?” Anthony asks just as the moon peeks from behind a cloud. Anthony’s eyes slip down my face to my neck and his nostrils flare.

Oh hell.

Bane laughs nervously and then smacks his lips together. “Um, hey, Boss. Gotta run!”

Suddenly, I’m shoved forward, right into Anthony’s arms and the door behind me closes with a bang.

“Want me to go after him?” Viktor asks, but Anthony just shakes his head, pulling me up against his chest.

“No. We’ll never find him.”

I peer up at Anthony, and his hand moves up to my neck, brushing over the bruise that Bane sucked onto my skin.

“Did he hurt you?”

“No,” I breathe, his touch lighting a fire within me. “He was a gentleman.”

“I don’t think he was.”

---